At the beginning of the month there was a special activity celebrating the 13 Colonies. These were the forerunners to the states that became the USA in later times. I know several club members were chasing contacts, but I was a bit slow off the mark, however I did manage 10 stations in the end. According to QRZ.com the QSL cards are much sought after and limited in numbers, so, have a go next year?
FT8 is still throwing up surprises, new islands and new DXCCs for the year. At the end of the first week, I got a 'decode' from one of the remotest parts of the planet, Pitcairn Island. My look-up shows a total population of just 46 people. How many amateurs there are I don’t know but VP6MW’s QRZ page is well worth the read even if you have never heard of the place.
In August there will be an expedition to Jarvis Island in the Pacific (No 17 on the most wanted list.) K8R in American Samoa has been experimenting with equipment and FT8 software. I had tried without success to work them on 15 metres hearing strange signal characteristics. A quick update to the program at both ends and bingo, first attempt and 4th call got a full QSO.
This month’s picture is just one of the far-off places worked earlier in the year.
I know that some think that these new modes are not real radio, however some are game changers while others are dead-enders. I remember when PSK31 arrived and the scramble to use it, but now hardly any activity.
In the middle of the month, I worked Haiti for my darts score 'treble top' of 180! Only 20 more to get the magic 200 for the year.
This time of year is usually quiet for DX but with some expeditions there is some to work (if you can hear them.) On the FT8 front I managed at least 24 islands for IOTA and 35 of the USA 'lower 48' states. Paperwork-wise I have started claiming confirmation for historic contacts, many using ClubLog’s 'OQRS' automated system for claiming cards for matched contacts. Really useful tech.
Cheers & Good DXing
Chris, G4ZCS
